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Gaming | Tactics | Warhammer 40k | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Goonhammer | Core Games | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Part of the Problem pt.3

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Feb 14 2026
Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

Tragically I don't get to put myself in the newspaper today, but there's still plenty to cover. Will it be slightly less of a Necron hell than part 2 yesterday? Ehhhhhhhhhh...

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

A few tickets are still available for the first Goonhammer Open UK of 2026 - which this time is going to be our first Teams tournament.

If you were on the fence, we are also excited to announce that at this event, we have Golden Tickets for the full winning team of five! GW have just announced that the WCW is moving to Barcelona this year, so if you want to set your whole squad up for a European Warhammer getaway, sign up now!

The event is a 5-player Team Tournament with WTC Terrain on 14th-15th March in Leicester, check out the details below:

This Week's Events

Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Dicehammer Open 40k GT IX
  • Battlefield Birmingham 25
  • WETTCON Vinter 2026
  • Gaming Expo 40k Open
  • North Coast Games WinterHell GT Invitational
Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Beachhead Brawl 2026
  • Green Dice Games Winter Ruin III Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament
  • Danish Open, singles. Hydra 40k Grand Tournament 1 of 2026.
  • Safety’s Off Hell Raisin’ Dale Praisin’ GT
Part 2 on Friday:
  • DUTCH MASTERS SEASON FINALE GT
  • Shuffle Wars II: Cupid Protocol
  • 7. Nurglemania
  • Open de la Table Ovale

Dicehammer Open 40k GT IX

75-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Irvine, CA, US on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andrew Dickinger - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Grizzled Company (Ruthless Discipline) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char6: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad + ENHANCEMENT: Abhuman Detail (on Char5: Commissar) & Aquilan Eye (on Char6: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad - Tempestor Prime) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 22 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 10 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 3x Lasgun • 1x Regimental standard • Master vox, Medi-pack

Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma gun • 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Lasgun • 1x Regimental standard • Master vox, Medi-pack

Commissar (50 pts) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power weapon • Abhuman Detail (+20 pts)

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Gaunt's chainsword • Invulnerable Save 5+ • 5x Tanith Ghost • 1x Bragg's autocannon • 4x Straight silver knife • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine • 1x Larkin's long-las • 1x Lascarbine • 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife • 1x Rawne's lascarbine

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (105 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Militarum Tempestus Warlord • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • Aquilan Eye (+20 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Hot-shot volley gun • 1x Plasma gun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Hot-shot volley gun • 1x Plasma gun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Hot-shot volley gun • 1x Plasma gun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

Nork Deddog (60 pts) • 1x Huge knife • 1x Ripper gun

Primaris Psyker (60 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Laspistol • 1x Psychic maelstrom

Primaris Psyker (60 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Laspistol • 1x Psychic maelstrom

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Chainsword • 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Lasgun • 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Plasma gun • Vox-caster

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (60 pts) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Lasgun • 1x Laspistol • 1x Steed's hooves • 1x Hunting lance • 4x Rough Rider • 4x Hunting lance • 4x Lasgun • 4x Laspistol • 4x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 pts) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Lasgun • 1x Laspistol • 1x Steed's hooves • 1x Hunting lance • 4x Rough Rider • 4x Hunting lance • 4x Lasgun • 4x Laspistol • 4x Steed's hooves

Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Bullgryn maul • Brute shield • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn maul • 5x Brute shield

Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Bullgryn maul • Brute shield • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn maul • 5x Brute shield

Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Power weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Kasrkin Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 3x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle • 2x Hot-shot volley gun • 2x Plasma gun • Melta mine, Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Power weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Kasrkin Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 3x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle • 2x Hot-shot volley gun • 2x Plasma gun • Melta mine, Vox-caster

Taurox Prime (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Taurox gatling cannon • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Taurox gatling cannon • 1x Twin autocannon

Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot volley gun • 1x Plasma gun • Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot volley gun • 1x Plasma gun • Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (140 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon • 4x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 2x Hot-shot volley gun • 2x Plasma gun • Vox-caster

Archetype

Scion Grizzled

Thoughts

A very prescient build to kick us off here, taking the normal Bullgryn and Kasrkin parts of Grizzled and supplementing them with Scions (two units in Taurox Primes, one drop squad) instead of Dorns as big damage dealers. This turns out to be forward thinking because Scions are far more appealing after the nerf to Grizzled Company that removed the Detachment Wound re-rolls. Scions get that on their Datasheet, so they hit as hard as ever, and this list doubles down on how nasty they can be (plus provides a bit of protection from the swingback) by putting a Primaris Psyker in each Transport-riding unit too. The list doesn't get the ranged threat that Dorns provide, but up close it can swing monstrously hard, and that may start to become more mandatory to keep pace with the extra violent metagame we're in. Congratulations to Andrew for blazing a trail here.

Jason McKenzie - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits with Missile Pods. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Retaliation Cadre (Bonded Heroes) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit + ENHANCEMENT: Starflare Ignition System (on Char2: Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (12x2) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Commander Farsight (85 pts) • 1x Dawn Blade • 1x High-intensity plasma rifle

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (115 pts) • 1x Cyclic ion blaster • 3x Missile pod • 1x Battlesuit fists • Warlord, 2x Gun Drone • Starflare Ignition System (+20 pts)

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (80 pts) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre • 1x Crushing bulk • 1x Heavy rail rifle • 1x Twin smart missile system • Marker Drone, Missile Drone, Weapon support system

Broadside Battlesuits (80 pts) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre • 1x Crushing bulk • 1x Heavy rail rifle • 1x Twin smart missile system • Marker Drone, Missile Drone, Weapon support system

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 pts) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 2x Missile pod • 1x Battlesuit fists • Gun Drone, Marker Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists • 4x Missile pod • 2x Gun Drone, 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 pts) • 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas'vre • 2x T'au flamer • 1x Battlesuit fists • Gun Drone, Marker Drone • 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas'ui • 4x T'au flamer • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Gun Drone, 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts) • 1x Ghostkeel fists • 1x Cyclic ion raker • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Railgun • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Smart missile system

Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Kroot pistol • 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivores • 9x Close combat weapon • 9x Kroot rifle

Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pulse carbine • 1x Pulse pistol • 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 1x Drone burst cannon • 2x Gun Drone, Recon drone • 1x Drone burst cannon • 9x Pathfinders • 9x Close combat weapon • 6x Pulse carbine • 9x Pulse pistol • 3x Ion rifle

Piranhas (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Pulse pistol • 1x Fusion blaster • Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone • 4x Stealth Shas'ui • 4x Battlesuit fists • 3x Burst cannon • 1x Fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Pulse pistol • 1x Fusion blaster • Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone • 4x Stealth Shas'ui • 4x Battlesuit fists • 3x Burst cannon • 1x Fusion blaster

Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster • 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwings • 4x Neutron blaster • 4x Stingwing claws

Archetype

Retaliation Triptide

Thoughts

T'au take the undefeated second place slot at this event, with Jason fielding a fast, hard-hitting Retaliation Cadre build to scythe through opponents. This rocks into everything in the metagame except C'tan, able to put the right amount of violence in the right places, and just about has the flexibility to win a points game against some of the more top-heavy Necron builds, (and indeed Jason narrowly defeated a quad C'tan Silent King build in round 4). I do like the single hammerhead seeded amongst the standard Retaliation Cadre tools, as while obviously it won't kill a C'tan alone, the threat of it helps keep them honest. T'au are solidly holding their own right now, and it's good to see a reasonable variety of strategies showcased amongst that, congratulations Jason.

Adriaan Lubbe - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force) - 3rd Place

High Marshal Helbrecht. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Bestion (2000 points)

Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Bastion Task Force

CHARACTERS

Emperor's Champion (100 points) • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol

High Marshal Helbrecht (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Ferocity 1x Sword of the High Marshals

Judiciar (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade

Judiciar (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

Marshal (95 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon • Enhancement: Blades of Valour

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (150 points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 5x Initiate • 3x Astartes chainsword 5x Bolt pistol 5x Close combat weapon 5x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Power fist • 4x Neophyte • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (150 points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 5x Initiate • 3x Astartes chainsword 5x Bolt pistol 5x Close combat weapon 5x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Power fist • 4x Neophyte • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Incursor Squad (80 points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 1x Haywire Mine 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Repulsor Executioner (235 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (235 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Bastion Templars

Thoughts

A rising niche build takes third here, combining the Templars strong herohammer suite, the power that Vows give to Assault Intercessors, and the rewards of the new Bastion Task Force detachment. This three-way combination spawns a build where every unit is ultra mobile and all of them are serious threats to a wide variety of targets, allowing you to dominate the board against a lot of foes. Double RepEx provides some additional heavy lifting into high-end targets, and combining them with the rest gives a true all-comers list that will catch some foes out through unfamiliarity. You can only really do that as Templars in this detachment, and it's a very smart way of applying the tools, great stuff from Adriaan.

Alex Spathopoulos - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 4th Place

Lion El’Jonson. Credit: Rockfish Lion El’Jonson. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Gladius DA (2000 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Azrael (125 Points) • 1x Lion's Wrath • 1x The Lion Helm • 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Artificer Armour

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Lion El'Jonson (315 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis • 1x Fealty

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Inner Circle Companions (180 Points) • 6x Inner Circle Companion ◦ 6x Calibanite greatsword ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points) • 1x Assault cannon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points) • 1x Assault cannon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points) • 1x Assault cannon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma storm battery

Ravenwing Darkshroud (100 Points) • 1x Assault cannon • 1x Close combat weapon

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Lion Gladius

Thoughts

In fourth place, all-rounder Gladius with Dark Angels Datasheets. They have some really good Datasheets, it turns out, particularly the Lion who is an all-star in the current metagame. Not much to say beyond that - it's just a high-quality list that can do a bit of everything, and punishes enemy melee that dies to a Primarch. Well done Alex.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Zayd Alshoushi - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Four C'tan and the Silent King on full send mode.
  • 6th - Andrew Porras - Imperial Fists (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder heavy infantry fists, sporting Lysander wiht some Assault Terminators, Tor with Aggressors, and a Land Raider Redeemer.
  • 7th - Michael Georges - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Martyrs with one unit of Sacresants as a speed bump.
  • 8th - Dan Wegner - Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force): Stormlance Stormraven with Bobby G and a Victrix unit.
  • 9th - Jason Lenore - Orks (War Horde): Boyz with Ghaz, a big Beast Snagga unit as a second saturation threat, and two full Flash Gitz units to blast foes as they struggle to handle that.
  • 10th - Geoff Virtue - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Warband that cuts a unit of Berzerkers and a Forgefiend for Angron.

Battlefield Birmingham 25

68-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andy Quas-Cohen - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The Silent King The Silent King. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
one event with c'tans was enough

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char3: Catacomb Command Barge) & Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char5: Psychomancer) & Demanding Leader (on Char6: Skorpekh Lord) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 8 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts) • 1x Gauss cannon • 1x Overlord's blade • Resurrection orb • Dread Majesty (+30 pts)

Hexmark Destroyer (75 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 pts) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Unmaker gauntlet • Nullstone field generator

Psychomancer (80 pts) • 1x Abyssal lance • Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)

Skorpekh Lord (100 pts) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester • Demanding Leader (+10 pts)

Skorpekh Lord (90 pts) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester

Skorpekh Lord (90 pts) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester

The Silent King (400 pts) • 1x Szarekh • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory • 1x Staff of Stars • 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam • 2x Armoured bulk • 2x Triarchal Menhirs, Warlord

OTHER DATASHEETS

Doomsday Ark (200 pts) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 pts) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 pts) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (60 pts) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Flayed Ones (60 pts) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts) • 1x Lokhust Destroyer • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Triarch Praetorians (90 pts) • 5x Triarch Praetorian • 5x Rod of covenant

Enjoy necron content? Check out Command Protocols on youtube for some "quality", if sporadic, musings, waffle, insights, hot-takes and nonsense. Mostly waffle though

Archetype

C'tanless Starshatter

Thoughts

Our first Necron build for today is a big flex; one of the UK's best Necron players taking down a major with not a C'tan in sight. Andy has, instead, gone for a high impact Starshatter setup, using maximum Doomsdays with maximum re-rolls to blast the foe to dust, and relying on herohammer counter-charge pieces for a mix of defence and scoring, and double Flayed Ones to make sure it can do a bit of move blocking/speed bumping if it hits something like horde Orks, which is probably its roughest matchup. Huge fan of going against the grain for a faction, and I like how many activations this manages to cram in, it keeps it quite loose on the table even with plenty of gut punch power. Congratulations Andy.

Ed Watts - Chaos Space Marines (Nightmare Hunt) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Don't worry Adam it's not Desolators (1990 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Nightmare Hunt Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (110 Points) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Terrorglut Parasite

Chaos Lord with Jump Pack (115 Points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Sorrowscent Vulture

Fabius Bile (100 Points) • 1x Fabius Bile ◦ 1x Chirurgeon ◦ 1x Rod of Torment ◦ 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte ◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 Points) • 1x Aspiring Champion ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Reaper chaincannon

Legionaries (90 Points) • 1x Aspiring Champion ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Reaper chaincannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Accursed weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Combi-weapon • 9x Chosen ◦ 5x Accursed weapon ◦ 7x Bolt pistol ◦ 6x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 2x Power fist

Raptors (110 Points) • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Mutations ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Raptors (110 Points) • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Mutations ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Raptors (110 Points) • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Mutations ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Warp Talons (270 Points) • 1x Warp Talon Champion ◦ 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon ◦ 9x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Noise Marine Nightmare

Thoughts

Chaos Space Marines' re-vamped Night Lords setup claims undefeated second place in Ed's hands, combining new and improved Raptors with a couple of big melee pressure pieces and Noise Marines. This build is designed to bait foes into a confrontation and then brutally punish them, because it has lots of good ways to force a morale test, and the second anything drops one it's going to get shredded, either metaphorically by the hard rock of the Noise Marines or very literally if the Warp Talons have their way. Ths sheer weight of (usually penalised) Battle-shock tests is going to be especially wearying for a low activation count army, which helps make this sing during the current C'tan hell. While Pantheon or the like will probably wipe this off the board eventually, unless they get extremely lucky with morale tests for many turns in a row it probably won't help, as there's enough redundancy here (plus layered defences from the Rhinos) to keep Chaos scoring even if they're being torn apart. This list is really cool already, and I can only imagine it gets considerably more exciting if you pack one of the Rhinos with the Masters/Legionary setup, so I look forward to finding out if we get any more out of the Nightmare Hunt. Congratulations to Ed!

Donny Evason - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Rockfish Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char4: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char5: Hexmark Destroyer) & Demanding Leader (on Char6: Psychomancer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) + (1x6) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 pts): Cosmic insanity, Golden fists Char2: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char5: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (100 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts) Char3: 1x Nekrosor Ammentar (165 pts): Nullstone field generator, Blade tail and whip coils, Enmitic disintegrators, Unmaker gauntlet Char6: 1x Psychomancer (65 pts): Abyssal lance Enhancement: Demanding Leader (+10 pts) Char4: 3x The Silent King (400 pts): Warlord • 1x Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk

1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons 3x Tomb Blades (75 pts): 3 with Shadowloom, Close combat weapon, Particle beamer 1x Triarch Stalker (110 pts): Stalker's forelimbs, Heat ray

Archetype

C'tan Starshatter

Thoughts

The final undefeated slot goes to a C'tan Starshatter build, going for one Doomsday and a bunch of chaff on top of the Silent King/2x C'tan core. For my money, you want to find room for a Wraith unit as well, but this clearly worked extremely well, smoothy securing undefeated third place for Donny - congratulations.

Adam Gourlay - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) - 4th Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
You Reap What You Sow (2000 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Reaper's Wager

CHARACTERS

Drazhar (85 points) • 1x Executioner's demiklaives

Lady Malys (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Lady's Blade 1x Razor fan

Lelith Hesperax (85 points) • 1x Lelith's blades

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (115 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych • 3x Gladiatorial weapons 6x Hekatarii blade 6x Splinter pistol

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych • 3x Gladiatorial weapons 6x Hekatarii blade 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellions (170 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion • 9x Hellglaive 9x Splinter pods

Hellions (170 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion • 9x Hellglaive 9x Splinter pods

Incubi (90 points) • 1x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive

Mandrakes (75 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Reavers (140 points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Bladevanes 1x Grav-talon 1x Heat lance 1x Splinter pistol • 5x Reaver • 5x Bladevanes 1x Grav-talon 1x Heat lance 5x Splinter pistol 4x Splinter rifle

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Talos (160 points) • 2x Talos • 4x Macro-scalpel 2x Twin haywire blaster

Talos (160 points) • 2x Talos • 4x Macro-scalpel 2x Twin haywire blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Talos Wager Goodstuff

Thoughts

Our second top four is completed by a Drukhari build with a bit of everything glued together by the strong Stratagems and re-rolls of Reaper's Wager. There's plenty going on within it, and I think the biggest challenge for these more generalist Drukhari builds is the weakness of Talos shooting into C'tan, though the choice to go for twin scalpels on the pain engines does mititage that a little. The build is sufficiently all-rounder that I don't have much specific to say beyond that, but it is cool to see broader plans than just Spectacle getting successful outings. Well done Adam.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Jonathan Coleman - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan and massed Skorpekh Lord herohammer.
  • 6th - Alex Meehan - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 30 Rubricae and ten Scarabs with Forgefiends behind them.
  • 7th - Andrew Waldron - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Two C'tan, a big corrupted Lychguard unit, a full Lokhust block and large Enmitic squad for a Lord to choose between, then a couple of Skorpekh units to finish.
  • 8th - Ryan Richards - Thousand Sons (Changehost of Deceit): Kairos, a big Bird and Magnus doing shooty monster mash, supported by some Screamers and Rubricae.
  • 9th - Jack Watkins - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Heavy melee Rage-Cursed with lots of jump DC, and one each of a Baal and a DC Dread for a bit of variety.
  • 10th - Martin Jones - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Just five bigs (Canis, Atrapos, Lancer x2 and Crusader).
  • 11th - Blake Purse - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): 6 Ironstriders and a couple of Skorpii for a firebase, then 10/5 each of Ruststalkers/Infiltrators.

WETTCON Vinter 2026

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Jönköpings län, Sverige on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Paul Dadzie - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Necron Warriors with Gauss Flayers

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
"I live, I die, I live again!" (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Orikan the Diviner (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Psychomancer (75 points) • 1x Abyssal lance • Enhancement: Veil of Darkness

Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers • 2x Claws 1x Transdimensional isolator 1x Twin gauss reaper

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Lokhust Destroyers (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Awakened Warrior C'tan

Thoughts

The classic Awakened plan of one big fully buffed Warrior block, now enhanced with C'tan, Ammentar and also a Doomsday because why not. C'tan love having a solid anchor to gum up one part of the board while they rampage elsewhere, and the Warrior unit is obviously excellent in that role, while also providing a way to push back against foes that want to use horde plans to outscore Star Gods. Unsurprisingly the result is extremely strong, and congratulations to Paul on taking it to the win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Stefan Love - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorn, double Bullgryn, lots of Kasrkin.
  • 3rd - Martin Berggren - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Double Land Raider Talons Custodian spam, adding a 9-model Vigilator unit with Aleya to mix things up a bit and provide some Fights First.
  • 4th - Peter Laszlo - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Regular Ogryn get a look in here, two units providing a withering amount of (essentially) heavy bolter fire, backed by Kasrkin and some Russ Exterminators to buff the Ogryn.

Gaming Expo 40k Open

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Puyallup, WA, United States on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Purge The Foe - Crucible of Battle

Glen Ray - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers)
Army List - Click to Expand
Salamanders GT List (1995 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Forgefather's Seekers Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Hand flamer • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Immolator

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (200 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732



vs.

Jaden Castelluccio - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager)
Army List - Click to Expand
Reaper's Troupe (2000 Points)

Drukhari Reaper's Wager Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (95 Points) • 1x Huskblade • 1x Shadowfield • 1x Soul Trap • Enhancements: Webway Walker

Lady Malys (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lady's Blade • 1x Razor fan

Lelith Hesperax (85 Points) • 1x Lelith's blades

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (115 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych ◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons ◦ 6x Hekatarii blade ◦ 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (85 Points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares • 1x Dark lance

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (55 Points) • 1x Spirit syphon • 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Hellions (85 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion ◦ 4x Hellglaive ◦ 4x Splinter pods

Hellions (85 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion ◦ 4x Hellglaive ◦ 4x Splinter pods

Incubi (180 Points) • 2x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive

Mandrakes (150 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 9x Mandrake ◦ 9x Baleblast ◦ 9x Glimmersteel blade

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Haywire blaster

ALLIED UNITS

Shadowseer (85 Points) • 1x Flip Belt • 1x Miststave • 1x Neuro disruptor • Enhancements: Reaper's Cowl

Solitaire (115 Points) • 1x Flip Belt • 1x Solitaire weapons

Troupe (205 Points) • 1x Lead Player ◦ 1x Flip Belt ◦ 1x Fusion pistol ◦ 1x Power sword • 11x Player ◦ 11x Flip Belt ◦ 3x Fusion pistol ◦ 11x Harlequin's blade ◦ 4x Neuro disruptor ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Thoughts

The Salamanders get a Showdown spotlight here, taking on a Reaper's Wager Drukhari build that's remembered to pack some Harlequins. Both sides look capable of taking vicious chunks out of the other, so who triumphs as they try to Purge the Foe.

At baseline, that mission obviously favours the Marines a bit - their units are tougher and slightly less numerous - but not as much as I think would be the case with Spectacle, and indeed this Drukhari build in general feels much better for this game than a more Wych-focused one would. The potential challenge they face is the number of Marine units that are riding in Transports, but they do have some heavier melee units to open them up, plus some big Infiltrate units to move block the Marines while staging up. Crucially for a matchup with lots of flamers they also have access to the Wager No Overwatch stratagem, so they won't just get completely shut out if the VanVets make a big move into their midst.

That helps, though might still not be quite enough to flip the script because of how good the Marine Flamers (especially the VanVets) are in the game. I think from the Drukhari side of the table, especially on Crucible, what I might do here is swallow the waste of the Reaper's Cowl detachment and reserve both the Archon/Incubi unit and the Harlequins, planning to Rapid Ingress on turns 2 and 3, then start the game very cautiously. Having two units of Scourges means they can pick up some kills at a distance, and the Hellions are great for going out and doing a straight trade for Scouts. Something you always want to remember on Purge is that you don't have to fight as hard for mid-board objectives early on as in most missions, and I think leaning on that is key. If you play a cautious game, you can also force the Vanguard Veterans to stay quite far back, as the Solitaire is a good, high-reach answer to take a big chunk out of them if they leave their own deployment zone.

I'm not sure that's quite enough to give the Drukhari the lead, but I can convince myself that it makes the game not a wash, and in some ways I think Purge ends up helping them a little in the end. However, it wasn't quite enough to overcome the fiery might of the Salamanders.

Result

Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) Victory - 83 - 81

Glen Ray - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 1st Place

Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Salamanders GT List (1995 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Forgefather's Seekers Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Hand flamer • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Immolator

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (200 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Forgefathers

Thoughts

Vulkan's toasty boys take a trophy here, taking a selection of their normal toys, plus a big flamer VanVet unit. That squad feels timely, because while it's obviously excellent into something like Drukhari, it's surprisingly relevant into larger targets thanks to buff stacking. You can have +1 to Wound either by Oaths or Stratagem and full Wound re-rolls from Vulkan, and suddenly 50 flamer hits is threatening foes of any stature - and you have the Captain so you can add Devastating Wounds for only 1CP as well. Add Lethal Hits melee, and there's a very real chance that this squad could jump out and kill a C'tan by itself (my maths has them taking ~12 damage after defences from the shooting, and oaths + fish for lethal in melee gets you the rest of the way), which I guarantee you most Necron players are not going to see coming. Congratulations Glen on bringing a fiery surprise!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Brian Zebley - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): The Lion and Deathwing Knights to brawl, Devastator Centurions for dakka, VanVet MSUs as moderately durable roving/counter-charge threats.
  • 3rd - Jaden Castelluccio - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): See Showdown.
  • 4th - wu anon - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Classic four Infantry block/Caladius Custodes, also adding Vigilators and the murder Adonimortis Allarus unit.
  • 5th - Jonathan Burns - Aeldari (Windrider Host): 24 Windriders, lots of War Walkers to tee them up, and the Avatar.

North Coast Games WinterHell GT Invitational

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Mentor, OH, United States on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David Timms - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 1st Place

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Well Then... (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Pantheon of Woe

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Plasmancer (55 points) • Warlord • 1x Plasmic lance

Transcendent C'tan (330 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

BATTLELINE

Immortals (150 points) • 10x Immortal • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Flayed Ones (120 points) • 10x Flayed One • 10x Flayer claws

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Night Scythe (145 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Twin tesla destructor

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Pantheon with Immortals

Thoughts

Another Pantheon build to close out the week, but we do at least have some novel toys to take advantage of its tools. A big Immortal unit with a Plasmancer that is, crucially, riding around in a Night Scythe is a really smart combo to add to the setup - the high volume re-rolling Wounds obviously goes great with the AP debuff, and it's quite challenging for some armies to interact with, letting you keep your anti-horde pieces operational into the mid-game and prevent foes from outscoring you. I also like the full Flayed One unit - it lets you zone out lots of space if you win the Attacker roll (then pull back with the Deceiver), and combos surprisingly well with the detachment's Fight on Death Stratagem. An unsuspecting opponent who rolls into the squad within the C'tan aura is going to lose way more of their asset than I think most will expect, providing lots of trade-up potential on a unit you already want here for other reasons. Some genuinely cool iterations on the standard formula, great work from David, and I legitimately want to take this out for a spin myself (and I might)!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Lane DeLong - Ultramarines (Librarius Conclave): Sternguard spam Librarius, ready to try and melt C'tan (and came super close to pulling it off against the winner in round 4).
  • 3rd - Yusuf Saleh - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Basically just Bobby G and a whole bunch of hulls.
  • 4th - Jonathon Diedrick - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Grizzled with a bit of everything and a couple of Artillery teams with Siege Cannons.
  • 5th - Jay Schell - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple C'tan, Wraiths, double Doomsdays.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | Warhammer 40k | drukhari | Dark Angels | Black Templars | Salamanders | Astra Militarum | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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